Sofala

Mozambique
Sofala, Mozambique
Photo: Mallet Public domain source

Sofala, now known as Nova Sofala, was once a prominent Swahili city-state and trading port on the Mozambican coast, first recorded in use by Mogadishan merchants drawn by the gold trade — one proposed etymology of the name means "go and dig" in Somali, reflecting that history. The Portuguese later built a trading post and fortress here. The site sits on the Sofala Bank in Sofala Province, within reach of the water.

  • Nearest water2.2 km